The early Islamic period was a time when "Arab identity" meant that all Arabs had descended from a common male ancestor in the Arabian Peninsula. From there, Arabs gradually migrated through the Levant region and North Africa. Over the centuries, the Arabs in North Africa (especially in Morocco) have intermingled with Berbers, the original inhabitants. Thus, Moroccan Arabs are much less culturally “Arab” than those from the Arabian Peninsula.
Arabs, both those who are from the original homeland and those from North African countries like Morocco, have migrated to European countries for better jobs. France is a common destination for Arabs in Europe. Moroccans are the second largest Arabic speaking group in France after the Algerians.
For most of the Diaspora Arabs, there have been a greater variety of job opportunities. This has greatly aided their need to climb out of poverty. However, it has also weakened their traditional family ties. In Europe, there is greater freedom for Moroccan women to leave the home, fewer arranged marriages, and less social pressure to conform to traditional religious practices.
It was early in the seventh century that Mohammed first preached the tenets of Islam to the Arabs. His successors quickly spread the word of Allah far and wide. Wherever Arabs went, they left elements of their culture, including the Islamic religion. The historical link between Arabs and the Islamic religion is still very strong. Today, most Arabs are Muslims, belonging to several sects: the Shia ("Ithna Ashari" or "Ismaeli"), the Alawi, the Zaidi, and the Sunni. Sunni Muslims are the majority group. Moroccan Islam is less “pure” since it is blended with indigenous religion. However, all religion is often downplayed in France’s secular environment.
Moroccan Arabs in France need better education so they can advance economically. This means mastering the local language and learning to fit into a European culture.
Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to reach out with the love of Christ to Moroccan Arabs in France.
Pray that God will raise up faithful intercessors who will stand in the gap for Moroccan Arabs.
Ask God to strengthen, encourage and protect the small number of Moroccan Arabs who have decided to follow Christ.
Pray that the softening of their traditional culture will create open doors for the gospel to spread from one Moroccan Arab family to another.
Scripture Prayers for the Arab, Moroccan in France.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moroccans_in_France
https://www.lemonde.fr/en/france/article/2023/10/05/france-and-morocco-s-long-history-of-migration-disputes_6151386_7.html#
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maghrebi_communities_of_Paris
https://www.arabamerica.com/is-france-being-arabized/
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
